North Korea launches new "Choe Hyon" multi-role destroyer

North Korea has unveiled a new multi-role missile destroyer for its navy, named Choe Hyon in honor of a late revolutionary fighter. The launch ceremony took place at Nampho port, attended by Kim Jong Un and his daughter, according to the state-run KCNA news agency.

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26 april 2025   |   15:28   |   Source: PAP / Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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The 5,000-ton vessel was reportedly built in a record time of around 400 days, using exclusively North Korean resources and technology. Designed to enhance air defense, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the destroyer is also believed to be equipped with strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.

During the ceremony, Kim Jong Un stated that the new destroyer will significantly strengthen the ability to accurately defend maritime sovereignty and called it an important step toward becoming a maritime power. He further emphasized that the strength for aggression is directly proportional to the strength of deterrence, announcing plans for additional vessels of this class, larger cruisers, escort ships, and the development of nuclear-powered submarines.

Kim also accused the United States of conducting aggressive drills simulating nuclear attacks against North Korea in cooperation with South Korean forces. We will firmly respond to these geopolitical changes and trends and take appropriate countermeasures, he declared.

Experts quoted by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency highlighted the vessel’s advanced systems, including vertical launch systems (VLS), an Aegis-type radar, and a sophisticated artillery suite.

- The destroyer appears to carry dozens of VLS cells capable of launching various types of missiles, including cruise missiles, said lawmaker Ju Jong Won, a former military reporter.

According to him, North Korea is striving to build platforms capable of launching nuclear strikes from the sea. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that, together with U.S. forces, they are closely monitoring North Korea’s naval activities.

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Korea Północna niszczyciel rakietowy Choe Hyon marynarka wojenna Kim Dzong Un

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